Protecting Gym Members & Equipment

hen it comes to keeping things clean, different gyms have different methods. But there are some things you should know before you employ various methods to clean your workout equipment.

Q: We want a simple solution to protect our members from germs on the equipment. What should we know?

A: No one wants to sit down in a sweaty puddle. But more importantly, you want your members to feel protected from the germs of other users.

You can find pre-moistened, disposable surface disinfecting wipes that have been developed to stop germs while cleaning your equipment. They kill such infectious agents as MRSA, HIV, TB, Staph, H1N1 and a host of other germs.

In addition to protecting your users, they also are pleasant to users and can be used on seat pads, leg and arm rests, benches, hand grips, chrome plating, painted surfaces, steel and rubber surfaces and electronic panels.

Q: Can't we just use hand-sanitizing wipes or a spray and paper towel?

A: Hand-sanitizing wipes and alcohol-based products should not be used. Alcohol can corrode and dry out the vinyls, rubbers, leathers and stitching used on your equipment. And hand wipes are made for skin, not fitness equipment.

You want to protect your investment in your fitness equipment, and that means following recommended practices for keeping it clean. Spray products can end up where you don't want them, wetting cables and other equipment areas, ultimately leading to potential malfunctions or even rust.

You can find wipes that have been developed with equipment manufacturers and contain no alcohol or ammonia and leave no residue.

Q: We'd like to find a greener solution to keeping equipment clean. Is that possible?

A: Yes. Talk to your manufacturer. You might find that a product that seems wasteful because it is disposable actually features biodegradable and recyclable elements.